Designing model of traditional and local sport tourist’s behavioral future intention, based on ecotourism’s capabilities

Identifying dominant natural attractions and cultural capacities of sport tourist destinations, is a more important factor in sport tourism development. The main purpose of this research is designing model of traditional and local sport tourist’s behavioral intention based on ecotourism’s capabilities. Sample size consist of sport tourists (Athletes and Sponsors) (n=105), sport experts of sport committees (n=45) and cultural heritage experts (n=13) of Golestan province. To collect data, Youshida and James (2010) behavioral intention questionnaire and research-regulated sport ecotourism questionnaire were used. Results of structural equation model showed that, natural attractions of sea and beach sport activities (β=0.81) and natural sport attraction of Jungle and environment with loading factor level (β=0.72) had significant effect on tourist’s behavioral intention. Also beach football and beach volleyball element (β= 0.87), horse riding (β= 0.83), ski and snowboard (β= 0.73), motor racing rally (β= 0.73) and horse racing (β= 0.91) were more important effective elements of sport ecotourism’s sub-scales. With consider to unique geographical condition of Northern provinces and efficiency of beach attraction and proper combining with local and traditional sport, we can provide the basis of sport tourism development